Every September 8 of the year, all Heritage Cities in the World celebrate Solidarity Day. This celebration is in recognition of one's rich historical and cultural legacy. It may be in the form of parades, cultural shows, arts and crafts exhibits, food fair, contests and the like, the aim of which is to raise the level of heritage awareness of the people especially the stakeholders. This activity also boosts tourism activity in the heritage site. What is notable during said celebration is the recitation of the Pledge of Commitment by the members of the community led by the local officials. It is a commitment to work for the protection of the heritage.
I am hereby publishing the PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT written by Ricardo Favis of Vigan who is presently connected with UNESCO, which is being recited every September 8 on the occasion of the Solidarity Day Celebartion in Vigan:
I AM PROUD TO BE A BIGUENO,
LIVING IN THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE OF VIGAN.
I AM PROUD OF MY HOMETOWN VIGAN,
WHICH HAS GIVEN US SUSTENANCE THROUGH THE YEARS.
I AM PROUD OF MY LOCAL HERITAGE,
WHICH PROVIDES OUR SYMBOL AND IDENTITY AND LINK TO OUR PAST.
I AM PROUD OF MY PATRIMONY, FOR IT IS THE BASIS OF OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT AND KEY TO OUR FUTURE.
IN RETURN, I PLEDGE TO SUPPORT AND ASSIST
IN THE PRESERVATION OF OUR ANCESTRAL HOUSES AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS,
IN MEMORY OF OUR ANCESTORS WHO BUILT THEM.
I PLEDGE TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN PRESERVING THE VALUES
FOR WHICH MY HOMETOWN VIGAN WAS INSCRIBED
IN THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST.
I PLEDGE THAT MY FAMILY, PARTICULARLY MY CHILDREN,
WILL ENDEAVOR TO PRESERVE WHAT WE HAVE TODAY
FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN.
I PLEDGE TO PASS ON TO MY CHILDREN THE VALUES AND TRADITIONS OF OUR ANCESTORS, THAT HAVE MOLDED OUR LIVES AND MADE US SURVIVE.
AND FINALLY, I PLEDGE TO ASSIST OUR LEADERS
IN ENSURING THAT VIGAN IS CLEAN, SAFE AND LIVABLE.
SO HELP ME GOD.
